A shocking video of a street food vendor in Ludhiana has gone viral, sparking serious concerns over food hygiene in India. Shared widely on social media platform X, the clip shows the man preparing pakoras under a flyover at Gill Chowk in a highly questionable way.
Instead of cutting open oil pouches, the vendor throws the entire plastic packets directly into a pot of hot oil. The intense heat melts the plastic, letting the oil seep out — a method that left both netizens and health experts horrified. The vlogger filming the reel asks him about the technique, but the vendor brushes it off casually.
The vendor also shares that he sells aloo-methi bread pakoras and hot dog-style snacks for just ₹10. Viewers are also disturbed to see him handling food with bare hands. The video text reads “Viral flyover pakore.”
Health coach Shashi Iyengar sarcastically commented, “Next up? Engine oil with a side of melted plastic.” His post has gathered over 4 million views.
Another user, “The Skin Doctor,” warned that heating plastic releases harmful toxins like BPA and dioxins, which mix into the food and pose long-term health risks. He urged food authorities like FSSAI to step in.
Public reaction was mixed. While some slammed street food culture entirely, others defended the vendor as unaware, not malicious. One user said, “Don’t demonize small vendors—educate them instead.”
The clip follows a trend of bizarre street food videos—like omelettes made with Skittles and Coke.